Design Tips by Skip Sroka

"Interiors must be in harmony with their surroundings," says award-winning Washington, D.C., designer Skip Sroka. Sroka believes that a new house or room design should not look overly new; he prefers design that appears to have been in place for a long time.

In the following pages, see a dozen design tips from Skip, who is known for his uncanny knack for blending aesthetics with pragmatism. Whether it's making a small kitchen seem larger or adding interest to a ho-hum space, Skip offers doable and attractive solutions.

Mix different textures. The smoothness of the polished lamp mixes well with the roughness of the stone. The geometry of the bronze table silhouettes well against the leather. The nailheads also create texture.